Releasable fastener system for footwear

ABSTRACT

A releasable fastening system for footwear features a plurality of fastening clips. Each fastening clip includes an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of the strap. The opposing hooks of each slip releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing flaps of the footwear. This secures the clip to the footwear to extend across the tongue. Each clip is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/927,479, filed on Nov. 16, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a releasable fastening system for footwear and, more particularly, to a fastening system that replaces conventional shoelaces with improved fastening clips that are releasably attached with the conventional eyelets of the footwear. Not only do the clips securely yet comfortably fasten the shoe to the wearer's foot, they are aesthetically attractive and can serve as a novelty or collectable item.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional footwear, including but not limited to shoes, boots, sneakers, and a wide variety of other athletic footwear, commonly utilize shoelaces to tighten the footwear and secure it to the wearer's foot. Conventional laces have long exhibited a number of disadvantages. They tend to loosen quite easily and can require frequent retightening or retying. This is a particular problem for athletic footwear where vigorous physical activity can cause the shoelaces to become prematurely loosened or untied.

Even when tied, standard shoelaces often do not provide the wearer an optimally snug and comfortable fit. Lower laces are apt not to be tightened sufficiently. This can cause the shoes to bulge and buckle. Improperly tied footwear can present a particular problem for competitive athletes engaged in running, turning, jumping, or other vigorous physical activity. Loose or improperly tightened shoes can seriously interfere with an athlete's performance. Improperly tightened shoes can also be quite uncomfortable to wear.

Loose or untied shoelaces also present a sloppy appearance. Sloppy and/or dangling laces are not only aesthetically unattractive, they can also drag in the dirt, as well as along unsanitary surfaces such as restroom and locker room floors. Loose or untied shoelaces also present a common and serious tripping hazard.

Alternative footwear fastening systems have been introduced. For example, Velcro™ straps have been integrated into children's shoes. Various other types of fasteners have been developed, such as shown by Gentry, U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,439. However, these devices tend to be fairly intricate and awkward to both manufacture and use. For example, Gentry utilizes elastic fastening strips that are designed to remain permanently attached to the shoe. Those strips are not readily and releasably engagable with the footwear only as needed and instead are intended to remain an integral part of the shoe. In addition, conventional fastening strips feature a uniform length and do not allow for proper tightening or an optimally snug and comfortable fit. By the same token, Gentry features contiguous strips that largely obscure the tongue of the footwear. This is apparently for the purpose of printing an unbroken ornamental design across the strip. A much more effective, convenient and aesthetically attractive fastening system is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved, releasable fastening system for footwear that overcomes the problems exhibited by conventional shoelaces, as well as other prior footwear fastening systems.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a releasable fastening system for footwear that allows the wearer to quickly and conveniently achieve a snug, uniform, comfortable and effective footwear fit.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a fastening system that eliminates frustrating and inconvenient loosening and the need for retying, which typically accompany the use of shoelaces.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a releasable fastening system for footwear that is both ergonomic and aesthetically attractive.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a footwear fastening system employing a unique releasable fastening clip that can be printed with various types of indicia, colors and other printed matter.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a footwear fastening system employing aesthetically attractive fastening clips that can serve as novelty, collectible, and/or trading items.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a releasable fastening system for footwear, which is particularly effective for use in athletic footwear and which provides an improved fit and which resists loosening during sports and other vigorous activities so that the wearer's comfort and athletic performance are significantly improved.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a footwear fastening system that may be used effectively on virtually any type of footwear featuring conventional flap mounted or loop-type eyelets.

This invention features a releasable fastening system for footwear of the type including an upper portion having a pair of flaps respectively positioned on opposing sides of a tongue. Each flap has a series of spaced apart eyelets. Each eyelet in one of the series positionally corresponds to respective eyelet in the other series. The system includes a plurality of fastening clips. Each fastening clip features an elongated, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of the strap. The opposing hooks releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on the opposing sides of the tongue to secure the clip to the footwear with the strap extending across the tongue. Each clip is connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear.

In a preferred embodiment, a clip or channel element may receive a respective end of the strap and may also carry a respective hook. The clip or channel may include teeth for securing to the strap. The hook may be formed unitarily with the clip or channel element.

Each hook may include a flat terminal section for being received by a respective eyelet. The hook may be curved to extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal access of the strap for engaging respective eyelet formed transversely through a flap. Alternatively, the hook may be curved to extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the strap for engaging the loop-type eyelet.

The clips may include straps having different respective lengths for allowing the clips to secure to the footwear between opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets which converge from a top portion to a bottom portion of the tongue. The flaps and the respective series of eyelets may converge from an upper end to a lower end thereof such that the straps of the attached clips are successively shorter in length from top to bottom. The fastening clips may include strips of differing respective lengths for providing a uniform pull across the tongue between the respective opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets. The clips may be sufficiently narrow relative to the spacing between the eyelets in each series such that when the clips are connected with the respective opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets, a gap is formed between each adjacent pair of the clips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages will occur from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a preferred releasable fastening system for footwear according to this invention comprising a plurality of releasable fastening clips engaged with the eyelets of a shoe or other type of footwear;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a representative fastening clip in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of the fastening clip;

FIG. 4 is side elevational view of the fastening clip;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a representative one of the hooks and an attached channel element used in the clip;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the inner end of the channel element;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the outer end of the clip, and particularly illustrating a representative one of the hooks and attached channel elements;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative fastening clip prior to insertion of the strap into the clip;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a representative end of an alternative fastening clip in accordance with this invention wherein the hook is oriented sideways or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the strap for engaging a standard loop-type eyelet;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view an alternative fastening clip;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fastening clip shown in FIG. 10, showing the strap inserted into the clip prior to complete assembly;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the fastening clip shown in FIG. 10, showing the strap inserted into the clip prior to complete assembly;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the completely assembled fastening clip shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of another alternative fastening clip;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the fastening clip shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the fastening clip shown in FIG. 14 taken along line XVI-XVI;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the fastening clip shown in FIG. 14, showing the strap inserted into the clip;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another alternative fastening clip; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the fastening clip shown in FIG. 18, showing the strap inserted into the clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is shown in FIG. 1 a releasable fastening system 10 for a standard item of footwear F. It should be understood that footwear F should comprise virtually any type of shoe, boot, sneaker, etc. More particularly, the footwear may comprise work shoes, casual shoes, work boots, and athletic footwear. System 10 is particularly effective for use in running and virtually all other types of athletic shoes. The system allows athletes to maintain a snug and comfortable fit that resists loosening, especially during vigorous physical activity. The particular type of footwear for which system 10 may be used and the particular applications for which the footwear may be utilized do not comprise limitations of this invention.

Footwear F itself features a known or standard construction. In particular, the footwear features an upper portion 12 and a conventional lower portion or sole (not shown). Upper portion 12 includes a pair of flaps 14 and 16 respectively positioned on opposing sides of a tongue 18. Each flap 14, 16 has a series of spaced apart eyelets that extend in a standard manner along adjacent respective longitudinal edges of tongue 18. In this version, the eyelets are bounded by standard grommets, although in alternative embodiments the grommets may be omitted. The eyelets may have either rounded or flat edges. In particular, footwear F includes a series of four left hand eyelets 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d formed in flap 14 and a second series of positionally corresponding eyelets 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d formed through flap 16. Both flaps 14 and 16 and their respective series of eyelets generally converge from top to bottom along tongue 18. In alternative embodiments, various other numbers of eyelets may be employed in each series. In any event, each eyelet should positionally correspond to a respective eyelet in the other series. As used herein, “positionally correspond” means that a respective eyelet in each series is formed at or approximately at the same height or relative position along a respective flap as a corresponding eyelet in the other series. Hence, eyelets 20 a, 22 a are positionally corresponding, as are eyelets 20 b and 22 b, 20 c and 22 c, and 20 d and 22 d, respectively. The positionally corresponding eyelets maintain the same relative position (e.g. the first, second, third, or fourth position) along respective flaps 14 and 16.

Fastening system 10 includes four fastening clips 24 a, 24,b, 24 c and 24 d. As best shown in FIG. 1, each clip has a different overall length for engaging a respective positionally corresponding pair of eyelets. In particular, the clips shorten from top to bottom across the opposing flaps 14 and 16. The significance of this feature is described more fully below.

A representative fastening clip 24 is shown in FIG. 2. It should be understood that each of the fastening clips 24 a, b, c and d (FIG. 1) is constructed in a manner analogous to that described below for clip 24. Clips 24 a-d differ from one another only in their respective lengths. Each fastening clip 24, which is also depicted by itself in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes an elongate flexible strap 26 that is longitudinally elastic as indicated by double-headed arrows 28. Strap 26 may be comprised of various alternative resilient materials including various natural and synthetic fibers. Rubber and other elastomers may also be employed. Rubber and durable, high strength elastics are particularly preferred when clips 24 are employed in athletic or other high performance footwear. Such elastomeric materials are much more durable and rugged and can more effectively withstand the larger forces typically applied to the footwear and attached fastening system during vigorous physical exercise.

A hook 30 is permanently secured to each end of strap 26. In particular, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, hook 30 comprises a unitary part of a metallic attachment 32 that also includes a channel element 34 attached unitarily/integrally to hook 30. The interior surfaces of channel element 34 include sharp, inclined barbs or teeth 36 that engage and grip a respective end of the elastic strap 26 received in the channel element. This acts to prevent removal of the strap from the channel element and secures attachment 32 and hook 30 permanently to each end of the strap. It should be understood that an attachment 32 as depicted in FIGS. 5-7 is secured in the foregoing manner to each end of each strap 26. This forms the completed clip 24. As previously indicated, each of clips 24 a, b, c and d is constructed in a like or analogous manner. The clips are manufactured and sold to the end user in this fashion. Clip 24 thereby features a convenient, permanently assembled construction that requires no further assembly by the user.

Hook 30 includes substantially planar or flat proximal and terminal portions 38 and 40, respectively. This configuration allows the hook to neatly and ergonomically engage a respective eyelet, as will be described below. The proximal and terminal ends of the hook are not rounded so that the hooks feature an attractive, low profile appearance. Moreover, they do not cause the wearer discomfort.

Clips 24 a, b, c and d are attached to respective pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets 20 a and 22 a, 20 b and 22 b, 20 c and 22 c, and 20 d and 22 d in the manner shown in FIG. 1. The hooks 30 of clip 24 d having the shortest strap are initially inserted through and engaged with lowermost positionally corresponding eyelets 20 d and 22 d. Somewhat longer clip 24 c is then engaged in a similar manner with eyelets 20 c and 22 c. Next, clip 24 b is likewise engaged with corresponding eyelets 20 b and 22 b. Finally, longer clip 24 a is engaged with corresponding eyelets 20 a and 22 a. Footwear F is thereby snugly and uniformly tensioned to provide the wearer with a fit that offers optimum comfort and performance. Critically, the progressively longer elastic straps arranged from bottom to top maintain this uniform tension. As the same time, it is virtually impossible for the shoe to unintentionally loosen. This will occur only if one of the straps breaks, which is highly unlikely, or if one or more of the straps is intentionally disengaged from its respective eyelets by the wearer. A significantly improved and reliable fit, tension and comfort are thereby achieved.

The fastening clips are quick and simple to install and remove as desired by respectively hooking the clips onto and unhooking the hooks from the eyelets. No disassembly of the clips themselves is needed.

An alternative bi-fold metallic clip 32 x is depicted in FIG. 8. Clip 32 x includes a central plate 33 x to which a lace-engaging hook 30 x is unitarily attached. A pair of planar wings 35 x and 37 x are connected to respective opposing edges of plate 33 x. The upper surfaces of plate 33 x and wings 35, 37 x carry inclined gripping teeth 36 x.

Metallic clip 32 x is assembled by engaging an elastic strap, analogous to previously described strap 26, with the upper surface of central plate 33 x. Wings 35 x and 37 x are then folded, as indicated by arrows 120, over the engaged strap such that the strap is interposed between plate 33 x and folded wings 35 x and 37 x. Teeth 36 x prevent the interposed strap from being pulled and dislodged from the assembled clip 32 x when hook 30 x is engaged with a respective eyelet in the manner previously described.

A slightly modified version of a removable fastening clip 110 in accordance with this invention is depicted in FIG. 9. Therein, a longitudinally flexible strap 124 is again utilized. A metallic attachment 132 is permanently secured at each end of the strap. Attachment 132 includes a U-shaped metallic channel element 134 as previously described, which is secured to the strap by teeth or other means. A clip, as described above, can alternatively be used. A transverse hook 130 is unitarily connected to and extends outwardly from channel element 134. Hook 130 curves to extend perpendicularly or otherwise transversely to the longitudinal axis of strap 124. The hook is configured in this manner to engage loop-type eyelets that are secured in a standard manner along respective flaps of the footwear. Each such eyelet, which is conventional, is typically comprised of a cord or other type of loop carried by, but not formed through a flap of the shoe. Hook 130 quickly, easily and releasably interengages such loop-type eyelets in a manner analogous to the way in which the previously described hook 30 engages the traditional grommet-style eyelet shown in FIG. 1. It should also be understood that eyelets of the type shown in FIG. 1 may comprise openings formed directly through the flap without any type of grommet. The version of clip 110 shown in FIG. 9 accomplishes advantages analogous to those described in connection with the previous embodiment.

An alternative tri-fold metallic clip 232 is depicted in FIGS. 10-13. As shown in FIG. 10, clip 232 includes central plate 233. Plate 233 has distal 233 a and proximal 233 b portions. Plate 233 is configured to fold at the interface between distal and proximal portions 233 a, 233 b. A lace-engaging hook 30 is attached to proximal portion of plate 233 and extends longitudinally therefrom. Planar, laterally-extending wings 235 and 237 are connected to opposing edges of proximal portion 233 b. Each wing 235, 237 has a plurality of gripping teeth 236 that project from a side that is oriented distally relative to hook 30. Planar, laterally-extending wings 245 and 247 are connected to opposing edges of distal portion 233 a. Optionally, central plate 233 and wings 235, 237 and/or wings 245, 247 are unitarily formed. Optionally, hook 30 and central plate 233 are unitarily formed.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, clip 232 is assembled by engaging an elastic strap such as the one described as strap 26 with surfaces 251, 252 of plate 233. Wings 235 and 237 are then folded, as indicated by arrows 220, over the engaged strap such that the strap is interposed between plate 233 and folded wings 235 and 237 (FIG. 11). Next, proximal portion 233 b of plate 233 is folded over onto distal portion 233 a as indicated by arrow 222, such that surfaces 251, 252 of distal and proximal portions 233 a, 233 b, respectively, are substantially opposed, with wings 235, 237 positioned therebetween (FIG. 11). Next, wings 245 and 247 are folded, as indicated by arrow 224, over proximal portion 233 b (FIG. 12). FIG. 13 shows a bottom perspective view of the fully assembled clip 232. Teeth 236 prevent the interposed strap from being pulled and dislodged from the assembled clip 232 when hook 30 is engaged with a respective eyelet in the manner previously described.

An alternative rounded metallic clip 332 is depicted in FIGS. 14-17. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, clip 332 includes an arcuate plate 333 that is attached to the proximal end portion 38 of a hook 30. As illustrated in FIG. 16, arcuate plate 333 has two substantially curved portions 355 and 357 that are separated by a substantially flat portion 356. Arcuate plate 333 is configured to engage a substantially round strap 326 such as the one illustrated in FIG. 17 by inserting an end portion of strap 326 into opening 353 of arcuate plate 333 such that arcuate plate 333 substantially surrounds the end portion of strap 326.

An alternative clip 432 is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. Clip 432 includes plate 433 and interlocking cap 434. In the example shown in FIG. 18, plate 433 includes a plurality of female members 480 and cap 434 includes a plurality of male members 482, although in other examples female members 480 could be positioned on cap 434 and male members 482 could be positioned on plate 433. The pluralities of female and male members 480, 482 are substantially aligned such that each female member 480 has a corresponding male member 482. In use, each female member 480 engages the corresponding male member 482. A lace-engaging hook is attached to plate 433 and extends longitudinally therefrom. Strap 426 includes a plurality of holes 426 a. Each hole 426 a is positioned to substantially align with one of corresponding male/female pairs. The features described herein with respect to strap 26 pertain to strap 426.

Clip 432 is assembled by aligning holes 426 a of an elastic strap 426 with female member 480 and positioning cap 434 over plate 433 so that male members 482 engage female members 480 as indicated by arrow 420. FIG. 19 shows the completely assembled clip 432.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each strap 26, 426 is sufficiently narrow such that when the clips 24 a-24 d are engaged with the respective pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets, a gap 50 is formed between each adjacent pair of clips. Preferably, the straps 26, 426 have a width of approximately ½″ but in most cases and in any event not greater than ¾″. Preferably, straps 326 have a diameter of approximately ⅛″. Typically, straps 26, 326, 426 should be narrow enough such that they are able to fit through the standard lace-constraining slot or loop found in the tongue of many types of athletic footwear. This provides system 10 with an aesthetically attractive appearance wherein the adjacent clips are generally parallel to and laterally spaced apart from each other, and successively shorter from top to bottom. The appearance is more ergonomic and attractive than conventional fastening systems that block most, if not all of the underlying tongue. Providing gaps 50 between adjoining pairs of clip straps also improves breathability and comfort of the footwear. It should also be noted that advertising material, various colors and other types of textual or graphic indicia may be printed or otherwise formed on the upper surfaces of straps 26, 326, 426. As a result, the individual clips 24, 224, 324, 424 may be sold, collected and even traded as whimsical and/or novelty items by both children and adults. In some cases, a matching color scheme (i.e. for a particular athletic team) or other theme may be depicted on the respective clips. In alternative cases, clips with various different colors or themes may be mixed on a single shoe. In any event, the fastening system provides the foot wearer with extremely clean lines and an improved ergonomic and aesthetically attractive appearance.

The relatively flat configuration of hook 30 provides for improved wearer comfort, as previously described. It also improves the stability of the fastening device and reduces the chance that it will become disengaged during strenuous physical activity and other use.

The present invention represents a significant improvement over conventional shoelaces. The fastening clips effectively resist unintentional disengagement from the shoe and/or resultant loosening of the footwear. Indeed, the clips virtually eliminate the premature untying and loosening often exhibited by existing shoelaces. The clips do not drag through the dirt and mud commonly found on playgrounds and athletic venues. By the same token, the fastening clips are not apt to collect debris from the floors of locker rooms and rest rooms, as are conventional athletic shoelaces when they loosen. Unlike standard shoelaces, the fastening system of this invention maintains the shoes in a uniform, snug, tensioned condition so that comfort and athletic performance are improved. Uniform tensioning of the shoe resulting from the use of this invention also helps to reduce unsightly bunching and disfiguration of the footwear and increases longevity of the footwear. Such uniform tensioning also provides the shoe with a neat, smooth and aesthetically improved appearance.

Although the system of this invention has been described in conjunction with a single shoe, it should be understood that the fastening system will typically be worn on both of the wearer's shoes.

From the foregoing it may be seen that the apparatus of this invention provides for a releasable fastening system for footwear. The system eliminates shoelaces and securely and snugly fastens footwear so that footwear appearance, user comfort and footwear performance are improved. While this detailed description has set forth particularly preferred embodiments of the apparatus of this invention, numerous modifications and variations of the structure of this invention, all within the scope of the invention, will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that this description is illustrative only of the principles of the invention and is not limitative thereof.

Although specific features of the invention are shown in some of the drawings and not others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any and all of the other features in accordance with this invention.

Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims: 

1. A releasable fastening system for footwear, which footwear includes an upper portion having a pair of flaps respectively positioned on opposing sides of a tongue, each flap having a series of spaced apart eyelets, each eyelet in one of the series positionally corresponding to a respective eyelet in the other series, the system comprising: a plurality of fastening clips, each said fastening clip including an elongate strap that is elastic along a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of said strap, said opposing hooks configured to releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing sides of the tongue to secure said clip to the footwear with said strap extending across the tongue, whereby each said hook is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein each said hook includes a flat terminal section for being received by the eyelet.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said clip further includes a channel element for receiving a respective end of said strap and for carrying a respective said hook.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said channel element includes teeth for securing said channel element to said strap.
 5. The system of claim 3 in which said hook is formed unitarily with said channel element.
 6. The system of claim 1 in which said hook is curved to extend substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said strap for engaging a respective eyelet formed transversely through one of said flaps.
 7. The system of claim 1 in which said hook is curved to extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of said strap.
 8. The system of claim 1 in which each of said clips includes a respective strap having a different length for allowing said clips to secure to the footwear between opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets which converge from a top portion to a bottom portion of the tongue.
 9. The system of claim 1 in which the flaps and the respective series of eyelets converge from an upper end to a lower end of said tongue and wherein said fastening clips include straps of differing respective lengths for providing a uniform tension across the tongue between the respective opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets.
 10. The system of claim 1 in which said clips are sufficiently narrow relative to a space between the eyelets in each series such that when said clips are connected with the respective pairs of eyelets, a gap is formed between each adjacent pair of said clips.
 11. A fastening clip for footwear, which footwear has a pair of flaps positioned on respective opposing sides of a tongue, the flaps having a pair of positionally corresponding eyelets attached respectively to the flaps, said clip comprising: an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap having a longitudinal axis; and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of said strap, said opposing hooks configured to releasably engage the positionally corresponding eyelets to releasably connect said clip to said opposing eyelets and thereby secure said clip to the footwear with said strap extending across the tongue, whereby the flaps are pulled together to tighten the footwear.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein each said hook includes a flat terminal section for being received by one of the eyelets.
 13. The system of claim 11 wherein said clip further includes a channel element for receiving a respective end of said strap and for carrying a respective said hook
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein said channel element includes teeth for securing said channel element to said strap.
 15. The system of claim 13 in which said hook is formed unitarily with said channel element.
 16. The system of claim 11 in which said hook is curved to extend substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said strap for engaging a respective eyelet formed transversely through a flap.
 17. The system of claim 11 in which said hook is curved to extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of said strap.
 18. Footwear with a releasable fastening system comprising: an upper footwear portion having a pair of flaps respectively positioned on opposing sides of a tongue, each said flap having a series of spaced apart eyelets, each said eyelet in one of said series positionally corresponding to a respective one of said eyelets in the other said series; and a plurality of fastening clips, each said fastening clip including an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of said strap, said opposing hooks configured to releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on said respective flap to secure said clip to the footwear with said strap extending across said tongue, whereby each said clip is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull said flaps together and tighten the footwear.
 19. The system of claim 18 in which said flaps and said respective series of eyelets converge from an upper end to a lower end thereof and wherein said fastening clips include straps of differing respective lengths for providing a uniform tension across said tongue between said respective opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets.
 20. The footwear of claim 18 in which said clips are sufficiently narrow relative to a space between said eyelets in each said series such that when said clips are connected with said respective opposing pairs of positionally corresponding eyelets, a gap is formed between each adjacent pair of said clips.
 21. A fastening system for footwear, comprising: a. an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap having first and second ends and a length configured for positioning between a pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing sides of a tongue of said footwear; b. a pair of clips, one of said clips positioned at each of said ends, each clip comprising: i. a central plate having distal and proximal portions and a surface configured to receive one of said ends of said strap, said central plate configured to fold at an interface between said portions; ii. a hook that extends longitudinally from said proximal portion, said hook configured to engage one of said positionally corresponding eyelets; iii. a first two laterally-extending, foldable wings connected to opposing edges of said proximal portion, each of said wings having a plurality of gripping teeth that project from a side of said wing that is oriented distally relative to said hook, said teeth being configured to engage a surface of said strap; and iv. a second two laterally-extending, foldable wings connected to opposing edges of said distal portion.
 22. The fastening system of claim 21, wherein said first two wings are configured to be folded over said end of said strap such that said teeth engage said strap when said strap is positioned on said surface of said central plate and said central plate is folded at said interface, and wherein said second two wings are configured to be folded over said first two wings when said first two wings are folded over said end of said strap.
 23. The fastening system of claim 21 wherein said central plate and said first and second wings are unitarily formed.
 24. The fastening system of claim 21 wherein said central plate and said hook are unitarily formed.
 25. A fastening system for footwear, comprising: a. an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap having first and second ends and a length configured for positioning between a pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing sides of a tongue of said footwear; b. a pair of clips, one of said clips positioned at each of said ends, each clip comprising: i. a hook configured to engage one of said positionally corresponding eyelets; and ii. an arcuate plate attached to a proximal end portion of said hook and having an opening configured to receive said strap.
 26. The fastening system of claim 25, wherein said arcuate plate includes two substantially curved portions that are separated by a substantially flat portion.
 27. A fastening system for footwear, comprising: a. an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap having first and second ends, a plurality of holes in each of said ends, and a length configured for positioning between a pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing sides of a tongue of said footwear; b. a pair of clips, one of said clips positioned at each of said ends, each clip comprising: i. a plate having a first plurality of engaging members positioned to substantially align with said holes of said strap and sized to fit in said holes of said strap; ii. a cap having a second plurality of engaging members positioned to substantially align with said first plurality of engaging members and configured to engage said first plurality of engaging members, wherein said strap is secured in place when said first and second engaging members are engaged; and iii. a hook extending longitudinally from said plate and configured to engage one of said positionally corresponding eyelets.
 28. The fastening system of claim 27 wherein said plate and said hook are unitarily formed.
 29. The fastening system of claim 27 wherein said cap and said hook are unitarily formed. 